Parkes back in charge following Souness exit

Tony Parkes has been named Blackburn’s caretaker manager as the club step up the search for a permanent successor to Graeme Souness.

Parkes has stepped into the breach – as he did after the departures of Kenny Dalglish, Roy Hodgson and Brian Kidd – in the immediate aftermath of Souness’ decision to replace Sir Bobby Robson at Newcastle.

Blackburn reluctantly allowed Souness to leave after reaching what they termed “a satisfactory level of compensation” with Newcastle.

The Scot paid tribute to Blackburn chief executive John Williams.

“It was not easy [leaving]. I’ve had a great time here working with great people. John has been loyal and very supportive,” he told Sky Sports

Williams said: “My reading of the situation is quite clear.

“Graeme is very reluctant to leave a job he considers one of the best in the business but he views Newcastle as a massive opportunity and one he cannot resist. We wish him well for the future and thank him for four successful years.

“But now is the time to look forward, and we need to focus all our energies on finding Graeme’s successor.

“We have an excellent squad of players and have a lot to offer the new manager, not least a financially stable club, and we expect considerable interest in the position.

“It is time to move on; we know what we are looking for and anticipate a very strong list of applicants.”

Although Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole have been moved on, Souness’ replacement will inherit a squad which bears the imprint of the former Liverpool boss throughout.

Scotland captain Barry Ferguson was acquired from Rangers for £7.5m (€11m) last season – while there was significant expenditure for the likes of Italian defender Lorenzo Amoruso, Australia international Brett Emerton and Irish midfielder Steven Reid.

There is at least one gem in the team in 19-year-old striker Jon Stead.

Former Blackburn favourite Simon Garner was not surprised at today’s news.

The little striker reasons that Souness was having a far from easy time with results – adding his one-time team-mate Mike Newell might be a possible successor.

“The majority will think it was time for him to go. If you look at his form over the past 12 months it hadn’t been that good at Blackburn,” said Garner.

“I think he fell out with a lot of players there.

“I’m not saying he lost the dressing room, but he didn’t mess about with anybody. Your experienced players like Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke were put in their place.”

The man to replace Souness, according to Garner, must have a proven track record – and he believes Luton boss Newell could fit the bill.

“I think they need a manager with experience. They’re struggling and they need to get into the top half.

“As an outsider, I would say Mike Newell. He’s done very well at Hartlepool and then at Luton.”